India, Feb. 3 -- The compact SUV space in India is crowded, competitive and full of choices that look good on paper. If I were buying one today, purely based on spec sheets, engine options and overall positioning, these five would make my shortlist. But mind you, this is not based on real-world testing, which brings out the quirks of using a car on a daily basis. Each model brings a distinct strength to the table, whether it's design, power, fuel efficiency or an overall balance of everything:

The Venue still stands out for its clean design and premium cabin feel. Engine options include a 1.2-litre petrol (82 bhp) and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol producing around 118 bhp and 172 Nm. Transmission choices range from manual and iMT to a 7-speed...